Submitted by Sharon Gray-Brewster
“How family members define and frame a problem situation
will influence how they attempt to deal with it… When people who are locked
into a particular explanation of their experience are invited to reflect on
their beliefs, they become freer to consider other possibilities.”
-Froma Walsh, Ph.D. Strengthening Family Resilience
Today I was inspired by the minister’s words urging
congregants to “start looking at your problems as opportunities” and the
importance of being prepared for opportunities when they come.* Often, we can’t deny the proverbial glass is half-full
or even empty, but if we look again we can discover ways to fill and refill that
same glass. It’s in these times our perspective can impact what we describe as
our destiny, our goal – our success.
Changing from a negative outlook to a positive one takes a great deal of effort, sometimes due to our past, family history, lack of support, etc. Thankfully, this is a new year, we’re still in “JaNEWary” (as my children’s favorite TV station calls it) and it’s the perfect time to look at problem situations different, become freer and open yourself to possibilities of your own success.
Changing from a negative outlook to a positive one takes a great deal of effort, sometimes due to our past, family history, lack of support, etc. Thankfully, this is a new year, we’re still in “JaNEWary” (as my children’s favorite TV station calls it) and it’s the perfect time to look at problem situations different, become freer and open yourself to possibilities of your own success.
Some of the ways we can change our perspective so we can
identify and prepare for opportunities in the midst of problems and difficult
situations would be to:
- Purposefully adopt a new way of perceiving yourself and situations by realizing who you are and what good qualities YOU bring to the table. (Romans 12:2)
- Let go of negativity and past hurts by ceasing or limiting interactions with people who may re-hash past issues or start new ones. This includes: changing the way we interact with family and close friends, and not taking behaviors we've learned along the way with us. (Ephesians 4:31)
- Make professional and social connections with people who are operating at the level you’re aspiring to get to. Adopt one or two as unofficial mentors. Do not ask for mentoring, because the best mentoring relationships often develop organically. (2 Kings 2:6-10)
- Identify like-minded individuals you can learn from and also share information with. Bring your gifts to the friendship, and model the type of friendship you want to have. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
- Put your best foot forward daily in your interactions with people. Each day presents opportunities to leave an impression. Sure, we'll have bad days from time to time, but make an attempt to be your best each day. (Titus 2:7)
PRAYER: Dear Lord, surprise us this week with an unexpected blessing that can only come from you as a result of viewing our situations with a renewed mind. In Jesus' name, amen.
*Learn more about the inspiring message that sparked this blog entry or for prayer visit http://tabernacleofpraisemin.org/ or call 781-963-5300.
Please forward this blog to five of your friends.
Please forward this blog to five of your friends.
About the author
Sharon has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She combines her experience as an art director, understanding of healthy child development and therapeutic interventions to offer interactive art and talk therapy to clients. Sharon is a wife and mother who is passionate about family life and early childhood development and education. Sharon is known for her commitment to God, excellence and family; comedic wit and ability to empathize with others. "Love you to life!"
This Blog is truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOne of the topics that really made me stop and think about when reading this was the "Making Professional and Social Connections", (mentoring). It stood out to me because life is so busy now-a-days; we forget to make time for the important things in our lives, God, family, ourselves and relationships with others.
It is a must that we start to prioritize and make time for these connections. If not, then how can we expect results, in finding or knowing when we have found a good mentor - if we’re never available to spend time and connect with those people that are operating at the level we’re trying to get to.
Also, what if you’re the person at that level that someone else needs? But you’re never available for them.
Therefore, we must make time!
Keep inspiring others, Loving it!
This is such a wonderful way to uplift women,thank you Sharon for allowing God to use in this way. I look forward to reading your insight and sharing with other women. May the Lord continue to bless you!
ReplyDelete@Tiffani Thank you so much for your response and I'm glad you're inspired! You're absolutely right, we MUST take time, to give back and share knowledge if we're the one in the mentoring role. It is equally, if not more rewarding than being mentored. This is the time for making connections with people and growing from that experience.
ReplyDeleteCheck out an upcoming blog with further discussion on taking an introspective look at ourselves-positive and negative and building on those skills to achieve goals.
@Mrs Toombs Thank you for reading this and for your kind feedback! The goal is to certainly uplift women and I'm thankful for the opportunity.
ReplyDelete